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Philadelphia Solar Brand review

PS-M132(HCBF)-505W

505 Wp PERC Bifacial 65%
ComparePV verdict

Space saver, short guarantee

Rank 9,692 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
505
Weak · bottom 11%
Efficiency (%)
21.20
Strong · top 9%
Density (Wp/m²)
212.4
Strong · top 8%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
26.0
Typical · median 28.3 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 22%

The Philadelphia Solar PS-M132(HCBF)-xxxW series is a photovoltaic module built on half-cut cell technology with 10 busbars and a bifacial dual-sided design, allowing the panel to capture sunlight from both the front and rear surfaces, boosting total energy yield without increasing the installation footprint. The use of half-cut mono PERC cells reduces losses from internal resistance and markedly lowers the risk of microcracks compared with conventional 5-busbar modules, resulting in a more durable construction and more stable long-term energy output. The half-cell design also improves tolerance to partial shading - localized shading on part of the panel has a smaller impact on the power output of the entire string, making this series well suited to rooftops in dense urban settings as well as large-scale solar farms. A key advantage is the low annual power degradation combined with a 25-year linear performance warranty, delivering a predictable, long-term return on investment and lowering the real cost of energy over the system's lifetime. The module is manufactured in Jordan in compliance with rigorous IEC and UL quality standards, making it a trustworthy choice for residential and commercial installations, off-grid systems, and utility-scale solar power plants alike.

Ranking

709 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.20% 20.90% Strong · top 9% 9,145
Power density 212.4 209.0 Strong · top 8% 9,110
Temperature coefficient -0.350 -0.350 Typical 10,489
Weight per kWp 51.5 53.0 Typical 4,880
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 22% 9,912
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

6 positive · 3 caution
Best for

Commercial, residential and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Owners who want a long output guarantee.

Strengths
212.4 watts per square metre

Top 8% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 209.0. Ranked 9,110th in the whole database.

21.20% module efficiency

Top 9% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 20.90%. Ranked 9,145th in the whole database.

Watch-outs
25 year performance warranty

Bottom 22% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs.

What owners get
Bifacial design boosts energy yield

A bifaciality ratio of 65±5% lets the module capture reflected irradiance from the ground, increasing total energy output without enlarging the installation footprint - a clear edge over monofacial modules such as the Trina Vertex Backsheet listed among the peer comparables.

Half-cut 10BB cuts losses and microcracks

Splitting PERC cells into half-cut format with 10 busbars lowers internal resistive losses and microcrack risk versus older 5BB designs, while also improving partial-shading tolerance - valuable for dense urban rooftop installations.

25-year linear power warranty

The manufacturer guarantees roughly 83.5% of nominal power after 25 years (98% in year one, then a -0.5% annual decline), delivering a predictable long-term ROI comparable to offerings from other tier-1 manufacturers.

Tier-1 bankable manufacturer since 2007

Philadelphia Solar has operated since 2007 and is listed on the BNEF Tier 1 list, easing bank financing for projects and increasing investor confidence compared to non-Tier-1 manufacturers.

Trade-offs
Production discontinued in 2024

The PS-M132(HCBF) series was phased out (2022-2024), limiting warranty service and spare-part availability, and complicating future expansions that require identical modules.

Below-average efficiency for the segment

At 21-21.5% efficiency, the module trails comparable 510 Wp peers such as the JA Solar JAM60S40 LR (23%) and Sunlike SKT490-510M12 (22.93%), meaning more roof area is needed per kWp at the same power class.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 21.2% matches the PERC 500-550W median
  • Power density of 212.4 W/m² packs 3.4 W/m² more into the same footprint vs PERC 500-550W median (209.0 W/m²)
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the PERC 500-550W median
  • Weight of 26.0 kg (2.3 kg below PERC 500-550W median of 28.3 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting
  • Bifaciality factor of 65% can add 3-10% extra yield with reflective mounting surface

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 505 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.20 % Strong Segment median 20.90%
Vmpp · Impp 39.08 V · 12.94 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 45.95 V · 13.53 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2098×1133×35 mm · 2.38 m² of roof
Weight 26.0 kg Typical Typical · median 28.3 kg
Cells 132 · PERC Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 65 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.350 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.220 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Weak bottom 22% · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 86.0 % Equals 422 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.50 % First year, then annual

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-
With bifacial gain
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.350 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Philadelphia Solar PS-M132(HCBF)-505W 505 W 21.20% -0.350 26.0 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.8 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +3.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.4 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
PS-M132(HCBF)-500W 500 W 21.00% -0.350 26.0 kg Very close match
PS-M132(HCBF)-510W 510 W 21.50% -0.350 26.0 kg +0.3 pp
PS-MNB132(HCBF)-520W 520 W 21.85% -0.300 26.0 kg Cooler, +0.7 pp, +5 yr warranty
PS-MNB132(HCBF)-525W 525 W 22.06% -0.300 26.0 kg Cooler, +0.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
PS-MNB132(HCBF)-530W 530 W 22.27% -0.300 26.0 kg Cooler, +1.1 pp, +5 yr warranty
PS-MNB132(HCBF)-535W 535 W 22.48% -0.300 26.0 kg Cooler, +1.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA120N-PRO-590W 590 W 23.82% -0.300 26.7 kg +85 W, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA120N-PRO-585W 585 W 23.62% -0.300 26.7 kg +80 W, +2.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
BGO 580 580 W 23.50% -0.290 26.0 kg +75 W, cooler, +2.3 pp

Found 405 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 416 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 438 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 892 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the PS-M132(HCBF)-xxxW series

6 answered

These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.

Is the Philadelphia Solar PS-M132(HCBF)-xxxW series still available for purchase?
No, production of this series has ended and the module is discontinued by the manufacturer. Availability is now limited to remaining distributor stock, after which Philadelphia Solar offers newer generations of bifacial half-cut modules as a direct replacement.
How does the half-cut, 10-busbar technology in the PS-M132(HCBF) differ from conventional 5-busbar modules?
Splitting the PERC cells into halves and using 10 busbars instead of the typical 5 reduces internal resistance and current losses, improving module efficiency. Smaller cells are also less prone to microcracks and handle partial shading better, since a local shadow has a smaller impact on overall panel power output compared to older 5BB designs.
How much extra energy yield does the bifacial design of this module actually deliver?
The additional yield from the bifacial design depends on ground albedo and mounting height, but typically ranges from a few to over ten percent more energy than an equivalent monofacial module of the same nominal power. Best results are achieved when mounted above a bright, reflective surface such as gravel, a white roof, or snow, with adequate clearance beneath the panel.
What warranty comes with the Philadelphia Solar PS-M132(HCBF) module and what does it cover?
The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, along with a 25-year linear power warranty guaranteeing sustained high efficiency of the PERC cells throughout the system's lifetime. Low annual power degradation keeps the actual output loss after 25 years at a predictable, low level.
Is Philadelphia Solar a Tier 1 manufacturer, and where are these panels made?
Yes, Philadelphia Solar holds Tier 1 manufacturer status, confirming its financial stability and manufacturing track record. PS-M132(HCBF) series modules are produced in Jordan in compliance with IEC and UL standards, making them a reliable choice for residential and commercial installations as well as off-grid systems and large-scale solar power plants.
Is the PS-M132(HCBF)-xxxW panel, rated up to 510 Wp, suitable for large commercial installations?
Yes, a maximum power output of up to 510 Wp combined with bifacial technology and half-cut cell construction makes this series well suited for both commercial projects and utility-scale solar farms, where maximizing energy yield per unit area matters. Its resistance to partial shading also makes it useful for rooftop installations in dense urban environments.
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